Volunteers Raise Profile of Rugby in Ghana

The 2007 Rugby World Cup includes just two African nations, the giant rugby nation of South Africa and Namibia, the lowest ranked team in the competition, yet to win a game in a world cup tournament. In four years time, the fight for the second African spot in the Rugby World Cup could be fiercely contested by Ghana, who is rapidly gaining ground in this relatively new sport.

Ghanaian's have the ideal physique to make good rugby players. They combine the crucial sporting qualities of strength and speed. In order to improve rugby in Ghana the country needs support from volunteer coaches who have a good understanding of the game that they can pass on to these capable athletes.

Projects Abroad volunteers are helping to promote and improve rugby skills in Ghana through our rugby sports programs. Volunteer William Shepherd is currently volunteering in Cape Coast, and is coaching a newly formed rugby team called Oguaaman Ocean Warriors - the first team of its kind in Central Region! William's main role is helping at training sessions - taking fitness sessions, line-out drills, tactics and team structure.

The project provides a really hands on approach to coaching and has allowed William the freedom to use his own training methods. Volunteers are also encouraged to bring forward their own ideas to help with the development of the team. An example of this has been William, along with the other volunteers, working to set up the first league and a tournament in the region. They have been trying to raise awareness of the sport in the area, organize matches and build a sustainable structure for the future.

Projects Abroad have also recently donated the team strip and vital training materials. Investing in the sport at grassroots level is an extremely helpful way to develop the game at national level. Hopefully Ghana will make it to the world stage one day, with a little help from Projects Abroad volunteers.